Aaron Makwa Chivis, Joe Amik Syrette and Cece Stevens
Anishinaabek of Michigan
“The water that comes from Mother Earth is like her blood, which gives life,” said Mr. Syrette, center.
“A lot of our teaching is to respect all women,” he said, explaining that the ability to bear children in water was one source of the respect. “So they have that connection. For myself to be here, it’s a representation of all of the women in my life. Starting with my ancestors, to my grandmother, my mother, my wife, my sister, my daughters.”
